31 Years of Aspergers

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Hi everyone, I have just registered for this forum and I wanted to relay the basics of my story to you. My parents pretty much ignored my symptoms (I didn't speak until I was 2, I was never socialized and when this was pointed out by their friends they were either shut out or ignored) for many years. I lacked basic social skills and on top of that, I also have dyscalculia. By the time I reached second grade it was very apparent that something was wrong, three separate meetings (at least) were held with my parents in an attempt to have me put on an IEP, get me testing etc. This never happened. However, I was put onto anti-psych meds in second grade (which is why I remember almost nothing from that year of school). This only lasted the year however, I was again put onto meds in 7th grade (for the second half of the year). My Aspergers and dyscalculia never improved and I ended up spending many years struggling in school when it was all unnecessary. All of this comes down to my parents saying "There is nothing wrong with him!" and their denial over the years.

Has anyone else dealt with this?

Don't feel bad. I was never diagnosed as a kid, either. It's not exactly something parents are looking for.

Been there. My mom even recognised symptoms of AS in me at the age of eight or nine but still didn't do anything to get me diagnosed because we couldn't afford it. She didn't tell me she suspected AS until I was seventeen, after I'd spent years wondering what was wrong with me. I wish she could have found some way to get me diagnosed, or at the very least told me of her suspicions, it would have made my understanding of myself a lot clearer a lot sooner.

Welcome!

My parents meant well, but they were always frustrated with me for not being normal. I was always being scolded to smile, and speak up, and look people in the eye, and not be so annoyingly shy, and then when I'd have a meltdown, they'd just get so frustrated with me... I forgive them because they honestly had no idea they were dealing with an autistic kid, but I hear you – I wish I'd been diagnosed a lot earlier too!

I spent 38 years being oblivious to what my condition was. People thought I was weird and freakish and loved picking on me or excluding me from things, and they thought I had a bad attitude, and that maybe I was evil and dangerous.

It would have been great if people understood my issue, and it would have been great if I didn't have to be so confused by it and been through so many years of unnecessary struggle.

Welcome to the board Rhyolite. I hear you. I did not know until last year at age 55. But we made it, we are here. Hope you can find help and explanations here.